RC Statement Lunch of The Empowering Communities in The Gambia to Prevent, Mitigate and Resolve Land-Related Conflicts Exacerbated by Climate Change

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished guests, 

Colleagues, 

Partners, 

Media Representatives,

All other protocols duly observed,

Good Morning to you all,

Today, we stand at a critical juncture. The climate crisis is not just an environmental challenge; it is a threat multiplier that exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and creates new ones. 

Here in The Gambia, we see this reality unfolding before our eyes, as changing weather patterns and resource scarcity fuel tensions over land.

I'm reminded of farmers who are struggling to cultivate land that was once fertile but is now parched due to changing rainfall patterns. 

This reality echoes across The Gambia, where 75% of our population depends on agriculture, and where land-related conflicts have risen by 30% in the last five years, largely due to climate change impacts.

It is in this context that we gather to launch this crucial project: 'Empowering Communities in The Gambia to prevent, mitigate and resolve land-related conflicts exacerbated by climate change.'

The climate crisis is not a distant threat; it's a present reality in The Gambia. 

Rising sea levels threaten our coastal regions, while changing precipitation patterns affect our agriculture-dependent communities. 

These environmental shifts are not just ecological challenges; they're catalysts for social tension, particularly around land use and ownership.

But in every crisis lies an opportunity. 

This project represents our collective commitment to transform these challenges into pathways for peace and sustainable development. 

By empowering communities, we're not just addressing conflicts; we're building resilience, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and paving the way for lasting peace.

This initiative embodies the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals – it is integrated, inclusive, and transformative. 

It recognizes that peace, development, and environmental sustainability are inextricably linked. 

By addressing land-related conflicts through the lens of climate change, we're tackling SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 1 on No Poverty, among others.

The United Nations system is fully committed to supporting The Gambia in this endeavor. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will lead efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management. 

The World Food Programme (WFP) will focus on enhancing food security and community resilience.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will address the linkages between environmental degradation, displacement, and conflict. 

Together, we bring a wealth of expertise and resources to this critical mission.

But the UN cannot and should not do this alone. 

The success of this initiative depends on the active engagement of all stakeholders:

To our government partners: Your leadership is crucial. 

We call on you to ensure that the insights from this project inform national policies on land use, climate adaptation, and conflict resolution. We urge you to allocate the necessary resources to scale up successful interventions.

To civil society organizations: Your deep roots in communities are invaluable. 

We need you to facilitate community dialogues, monitor project impacts, and hold all of us accountable to our commitments.

To the communities themselves: You are the heart of this project. 

We need your active participation in designing and implementing solutions. Your indigenous knowledge is crucial for developing sustainable, locally-owned strategies.

As we launch this project, let's remember that we're not just addressing immediate challenges. 

We're investing in the future of The Gambia – a future where communities are empowered to manage their resources sustainably, resolve conflicts peacefully, and thrive in the face of climate challenges.

I urge all of us to approach this work with urgency, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind. 

The challenges we face are complex, but so is our collective strength when we work together.

Let us move forward with determination, knowing that every step we take brings us closer to a more peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Gambia. 

Together, we can turn the challenges of climate change into opportunities for sustainable peace.

Thank you. 

Let's get to work.